CE LAWS, ETHICS

AND CONTRACTS



 Introduction to Success in the Civil Engineering profession
The courses of study in engineering schools usually cover most branches of engineering in
a fairly satisfactory manner when the purposes of the studies are understood and
appreciated. The principles and methods on which investigation and practice must rest are
fairly well developed, and the young engineers, when they leave their technical school, is
fairly well prepared to undertake the minor calculations, operations and designs in the
practice of his profession.

 The technical graduates must not overestimate their capabilities. Their education is not
nished, it is only just begun.

To be successful, it will require constant and strenuous effort. When young engineers enter
practice, they still need to acquire experience and to study, observe and investigate
subjects connected with their specialty, all of which is necessary for advanced work and
which they can obtain to the best advantage concomitant with the practice of their
profession. Engineers must acquire a working knowledge of:

1. The fundamental principles of those sciences on which their work depends, and
judgment in their application.

2. Those methods and calculations which must be applied in such practice, and skill and
accuracy in their use.

3. The use of language, including the ability to prepare and present both clear and
concise oral and written explanation of engineering problems.
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 4. Business and engineering law upon which the success of engineering projects
depends, and without which few correct reports, speci cations or contracts ca be
prepared.

5. Those essential principles that concern the personal relations of the engineer with his
fellows, with his employers and clients, with his business associates, with labor, and with
the public, and also those principles of judgment, equity and ethics upon which the
highest success of every man depends.

The engineers must acquire sound judgment and knowledge which are essential part of
their education where they can only gain through experience and observation.

The engineers should also acquire a correct perspective of his own capabilities and
limitations. Self-knowledge is perhaps the most important knowledge, for on the other
hand it will prevent the individual from attempting those things for which they are un t and
thus eliminate failures which will result more or less serious in their consequences, both to
them and others. Further, it will give them the necessary con dence to undertake those
things for which they are properly tted and which will make them of the greatest value in
practical life.

What Skills Do Civil Engineers Need?

Civil engineers require various skills that can help them with analyzing, planning and
designing different projects and infrastructures. Some of the key skills civil engineers need
for success include analytic, leadership, problem-solving, decision-making and
organizational skills. Communication skills and the ability to partner and collaborate is
important to have as you can expect to work with teams and various stakeholders during
any project. Having a skill set that can complement the responsibilities you can expect to
have on the job helps improve your chances for success in your career.

KNOWLEDGE OF ENGLISH

A knowledge of English, and the ability to express his meaning in clear, concise and
convincing language, both oral and written, is an asset of great value to the engineer.

The ability to prepare and present with oral and written words, the rationale of the
problem to be solved and its proper solution are often as important as the ability to
recognize and solve the problem. An intelligent discussion of the conditions that obtain, a

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proper presentation of the principles involved and a clear elucidation of the proper
methods for its solution, is the most important function of education. This ability of
expression can be acquired by practice.

At almost every step the engineers are called upon to describe in clear terms, in reports,
papers or speci cations, both in general and in detail, the rationale of works built or
proposed.

LEGAL RELATIONS

The engineers should be suf ciently informed concerning legal matters which affect their
duties and responsibilities to know when all ordinary legal requirements are observed in
drawing up such engineering papers as may be necessary in their work and to see that
actions, attitudes and decisions of themselves and their subordinates are and that legal
rights of his clients, business associates and of themselves are properly conserved. In all
cases of importance, legal advice is essential and should be obtained. Few lawyers in
ordinary practice, however, possess such knowledge of engineering contracts or of the
conditions of construction as is necessary in order to draw a satisfactory contract for
construction work. Engineering contracts as well as technical speci cations should be
prepared by the engineers and submitted to the attorney to see that the legal
requirements are properly covered.

The engineers to be successful in professional practice, must also be informed on the laws
which affect their particular specialty. The municipal engineer and contractor should
understand those municipal laws which affect municipal works and which both limit and
control municipal activities.

The term “professions” includes those callings which involve in their practice high ideals,
great energy, distinguished ability, correct and logical thought by means of which effective
results are obtained, through ef cient application of technical knowledge and proper
organization.

The engineers must understand therefore, not only the elements necessary for personal
success but also those requirements necessary for the realization of the higher ideals of
professional success.

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 PERSONAL SUCCESS

No great success is possible without good health. Ill health draws the attention of the mind
to the condition of the body at the expense of the capacity for concentrated thought,
affects the ability for energetic effort and weakens the power of resistance and personal
capacity. Clean living, healthful exercise and mental relaxation are therefore not only
desirable but essential for both personal, business and professional success.

The very keystone of successful engineering practice is judgment. The development of

judgment requires personal investigation, personal consideration and personal
conclusions, and should be based on a well balanced appreciation of both theory and
practice. In order to develop the engineers’ judgment, they must to think for themselves,
to form and hold opinions of their own, and to base those opinions on a substantial,
comprehensive and thoughtful consideration of both theoretical principles and practical
results.

The successful engineers must rightly weigh and appreciate their own limitations and must
recognize their personal de ciencies and the meagerness (example: lack of quantity or
quality, inadequacy) of their knowledge.

The degree of native ability possessed by the individual is undoubtedly a considerable

element o success if properly utilized and developed. It cannot take the place of hard and
conscientious work and continuous effort. Most so called “men of genius” will admit that
their success is due more to hard work and continuous effort than the native ability.
Greater success is due to the personal exercise of will power that concentrates the efforts
on the end in view and utilizes such ability as is possessed by the individual than to the half
cultivated spasmodic (/spazˈmädik; occurring or done in brief) exercise of so-called
genius.

Experience is best acquired by personal observation, but the recorded practice of others is
a source not to be neglected.

Inspirational Quotes On Experience

Experience is de ned as the process of getting knowledge or skill from doing, seeing,
or feeling things. May these quotes inspire you to take action so that you gain experience
and learn from it so that you may live your dreams.

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1. “The only source of knowledge is experience.” Albert Einstein

2. “Every experience, good or bad, is a priceless collector’s item.” Isaac Marion

3. “Learn from every mistake, because every experience particularly your mistakes, are
there to teach you and force you into being more of who you are.” Oprah Winfrey

4. “Life is a journey with problems to solve, lessons to learn, but most of all, experiences to
enjoy.” Anonymous

 Ethical and Personal Relations

 Purposes and Results of Technical Training

Chapter 2

Ethics

What are ethics?

Derived from the Greek word “ethos”, which means “way of living”, ethics is a branch of
philosophy that is concerned with human conduct, more speci cally the behaviour of
individuals in society. Ethics examines the rational justi cation for our moral judgments; it
studies what is morally right or wrong, just or unjust.

In a broader sense, ethics re ects on human beings and their interaction with nature and
with other humans, on freedom, on responsibility and on justice. It can be said that in
general, ethics is concerned with human independence when it focuses on the relationship
that exists between humans and the world. This independence is the primary condition in
ethical decision-making and in any objective analysis of the facts. Individuals demonstrate
independence when, in a decision-making process, they choose to free themselves as
much as possible from their conditioning. Insofar as this operation assumes a degree of
lucidity that allows us to judge objectively and to decide what direction to take, it will be
understood that making ethical decisions is dif cult.

Ethics are a system of moral principles or rules that say what is and is not acceptable.

Generally speaking, ethics refer to the rules or code of conduct that people use to
determine when an action is acceptable or not. Often, a person’s ethics are based on the
rules of their society, such as laws or religious teachings. A society’s ethics might say that it
is wrong to steal from someone else, for example.

You may have your own ethics that are different from the society or community you live in.
For example, you may move from a country where owning a gun is legal to one where it is
not. In this case, your personal ethics (your belief that owning a gun is okay) may contradict
the ethics of the country you now live in.

In philosophy, the word ethics is used to mean the study of what makes a person decide
what is right and wrong. Philosophers often use the word morality to mean the same thing.

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 Outside of philosophy, though, we consider ethics and morals to be two different sets of
values. Generally speaking, the difference between the two is that ethics are what a
community considers to be right and wrong, and morals are what an individual considers
to be good and bad or evil.

Source: https://www.dictionary.com/browse/ethics

FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES

Civil engineers uphold and advance the integrity, honor and dignity of the civil
engineering profession by:

      • using their knowledge and skill for the enhancement of human welfare and the
environment;

• being honest and impartial and serving with delity the public, their employers/
employees and clients;

• striving to increase the competence and prestige of the civil engineering profession;
and

• supporting the professional and technical societies of their disciplines.

FUNDAMENTAL CANONS

1. Civil Engineers shall hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of the public and
shall strive to comply with the principles of sustainable development in the performance of
their duties.

     2. Civil Engineers shall perform services only in areas of their competence.

     3. Civil Engineers shall issue public statements only in an objective and truthful manner.

     4. Civil Engineers shall act in professional matters for each employer or client as faithful
agents or trustees, and shall avoid con icts of interest.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

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     5. Civil Engineers shall build their professional reputation on the merit of their services
and shall not compete unfairly with others.

      6. Civil Engineers shall act in such a manner as to uphold and enhance the honor,
integrity, and dignity of the civil engineering profession.

      7. Civil Engineers shall continue their professional development throughout their

careers, and shall provide opportunities for the professional development of those civil
engineers under their supervision.

*Adopted in September 2001 as part of the Manual of Professional Practice for Civil
Engineers published by the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers.

Source: https://pice.org.ph/code-of-ethics/

Chapter 3.
The practice in the Civil Engineering

The practice of a profession means a vocation requiring specialized knowledge and

preparation including but not limited to the following: medicine and surgery, podiatry,
osteopathy, osteopathic medicine and surgery, psychology, psychiatry, chiropractic,
nursing, dentistry, dental hygiene, optometry, speech pathology, audiology, pharmacy,
physical therapy, occupational therapy, mortuary science, law, architecture, engineering
and surveying, and accounting.

 History of Professional Regulation Commission (PRC)

The Professional Regulation Commission was rst created as a national government

agency by Presidential Decree (P.D.) No. 223 dated June 22, 1973, signed by then
President Ferdinand E. Marcos, mandated to enforce the laws regulating the various
professions. It was previously called the Of ce of the Board of Examiners, which was
created by Republic Act No. 546 on June 17, 1950, under the aegis of the Civil Service
Commission.

The PRC became operational on January 4, 1974. The of ce was attached to the Of ce of
the President for general direction and coordination. On December 9, 1974, the
Implementing Rules and Regulations of P.D. No. 223 were promulgated, paving the way for
standardization of rules and procedures for the thirty-three (33) professions then under the
CSC.

On December 5, 2000, President Joseph Ejercito Estrada signed Republic Act No. 8981
otherwise known as the PRC Modernization Act of 2000. The Implementing Rules and
Regulations were adopted on February 15, 2001 through PRC Resolution No. 1 series of
2001. With the passing of RA 8981, the Commission exercises three functions: 1) executive
functions; 2) quasi-legislative functions; and 3) quasi-judicial functions. It had also set its
new thrusts and priorities such as customer-focused service, modernization through full
computerization and re-structuring, integrity of licensure examinations, good governance,
protection and promotion of Filipino professionals and support to national development
priorities.

In ful llment of its legal mandate, the PRC performs two important functions, which are: 1)
to conduct and administer licensure examinations to aspiring professionals, and 2) to
regulate and supervise the practice of the professions exercised in partnership with the
forty-three (43) Professional Regulatory Boards (PRBs) in the elds of health, business,
education, social sciences, engineering and technology. The PRBs govern their respective

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professions’ practice and ethical standards and accredit the professional organization
representing the professionals.

On September 11, 2006, as supplemented by Executive Order No. 565-A, PRC was
attached to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for administrative
supervision and control. Being an attached agency of the DOLE, the PRC works closely to
the mandate of its mother agency.

The PRC serves more than 4.3 million professionals from 43 various regulated professions
and the hundreds of thousands of aspiring professionals who take the licensure
examinations every year. Thus, PRC stakeholders include the professionals, would-be
professionals, accredited professional organizations, foreign professionals seeking
temporary permit to practice their professions in the country, schools and academe, and
other government agencies.

To better carry out its mandate and in order to implement the PRC Modernization Act, the
PRC was given approval by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on April
20, 2013 to implement a reorganization of its organizational structure.

On June 8, 2016, the new Organizational Structure and Staf ng Pattern (OSSP) pursuant to
Republic Act (RA) No. 8981 was approved by DBM. The Notice of Organization, Staf ng
and Compensation Action (NOSCA) formalizing the approved OSSP of PRC Central Of ce,
effective not earlier than June 8, 2016, has been transmitted by DBM on October 10, 2016.

Further, the Of ce of the President, through the Executive Secretary, issued a

Memorandum on May 16, 2017 on the approval of the creation of PRC new of ces/
services: Regional Of ces in NCR & Regions I, III, IV-B, XII and XIII, Legal Service,
International Affairs Of ce, Information and Communications Technology Service, and
Planning, Management and Financial Service. The NOSCA formalizing the approved OSSP
of the approved new of ces and positions and the reclassi cation of key positions was
issued by DBM on August 2, 2017.

Source: https://www.prc.gov.ph/history
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PDF copy of Resolution No. 2012-668 Series 2012

Source: https://www.philippineconsulatela.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/
PRC_Res_2012-668.pdf

Republic Act 8981

3.1. Professional responsibility

Civil engineers build the world we live in. They are responsible for constructions like dams,
building, subway tunnels, bridges, highways, and other forms of infrastructure that has
become a part of our daily life. Civil engineers have many roles and responsibilities that
make civil engineering is one of the most important forms of engineering.

What is a Civil Engineer?

A civil engineer is a professional who oversees construction projects. They are the ones
responsible for the complete construction, functionality, and safety of the project. They
have to use their education and principles of civil engineering to bring to life creations
designed by architects. They have to work with a team of professionals and manage a
large number of construction workers. This is quite a responsible job.

What do Civil Engineers Do?

To put it in simple terms, civil engineers build. Architect designs the structures, but it is a
civil engineer who checks for the feasibility of the design, makes improvements, and nally
construct the structure.

General Responsibilities of a Civil Engineer

Assess Construction Site – Civil engineers have to assess and do a complete feasibility
study of the construction site. They have to consider many factors, including the impact on
nature and the surrounding environment, and plan accordingly.

Planning the construction – Civil engineers have to plan out the whole construction
process beforehand. This has to be a systematic process to facilitate the smooth ow of
work. Every step has to be meticulously planned.

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 Budgets – If the budget already has been set for the work, it is the job of the civil engineer
to make sure all the construction happens within the budget. If the budget has not been
set, the civil engineer, along with the planner, will take into account the raw materials
required, machinery & equipment costs, labour required for the project, and set the
budget and deadlines accordingly.

Oversee the Construction – The biggest responsibility of a civil engineer is to oversee the
construction. They have to be there to see the construction being done in phases set by
them. They also check the quality during construction.

Final Inspection – Before the project can be termed complete, civil engineers have to do a
thorough nal inspection of the construction. Once the structure is deemed safe, they
prepare a report and label the construction as complete.

Source: https://presidencyuniversity.in/what-are-the-roles-responsibilities-of-a-civil-
engineer/

3.2. Client-Civil Engineer Relationships

The Importance of Client Relationships

The success of any human endeavour depends on the quality of the relationships between
those involved. A good working relationship, just like a good friendship, builds rapport
and understanding between the parties. To achieve such a relationship takes more than
clear and regular communication, although this certainly makes a contribution. It requires
investing time and effort into understanding the client and his or her business and
situation.

Bene ts of good client relationships

Building and maintaining effective and rewarding relationships with clients has many
bene ts.
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 A good working relationship allows an engineer to demonstrate their credibility,

professionalism and other non-technical qualities. Engineers offer intangible services, the
quality of which cannot be judged by prospective clients. Therefore a client’s experience is
one of the most signi cant ways by which the engineer will be judged. Regardless of
marketing and promotional material, actions speak louder than words. The client’s
experience will shape the comments they make in public and contribute to the engineer’s
reputation, and that of his or her rm, in the market-place.

Although it takes time, building and maintaining a client relationship is a cost-effective

exercise which contributes to productivity and ef ciency. Complaints and
misunderstandings cost time and money – a good client relationship is like an insurance
policy that ensures there will be a quicker and easier resolution of any dif culties or
con icts.

Source: https://d2rjvl4n5h2b61.cloudfront.net/media/documents/
Practice_Note_6_Developing_and_Maintaining_Client_Relationships.pdf

18 Tips To Improve Your Engineer Client Relationship

June 13, 2020 by Engineer Calcs

1. De ne a project’s scope of work

2. Only do the work you’re an expert in

3. De ne roles in your engineer client relationship

4. Trying to achieve perfection in your design work

5. Project deadlines

6. Over-communicate with project updates

7. Give no guarantees
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8. Document everything

9. Draw pictures in your explanations

10. Becoming too friendly

11. Speak like a normal person

12. Listen more often

13. Always deliver quality engineering work

14. Always ask your questions

15. Admit your mistakes

16. Call out the client

17. Understand personality differences

18. Go the extra mile

Source: https://engineercalcs.com/engineer-client-relationship-tips/

3.3. Civil Engineering Services

A civil engineer applies scienti c knowledge to improve the environment of a developing
region. In addition, civil engineers create and assess plans and oversee the construction of
public works. Civil engineering is one of the oldest branches of engineering and an
essential contribution to modern society.

Civil Engineering Branches

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1. Construction and Management Engineering

Construction engineering involves managing the entire development process for various
construction projects, such as bridges, buildings, and roads. A civil engineer ensures their
projects are ful lled in a sustainable and cost-ef cient way. One part of their commitments
is the asset management phase, where they outline the maintenance and refurbishment of
the project upon completion. A civil engineer is knowledgeable of the business,
management, and economic sides of a construction project.

2. Geotechnical Engineering

Geotechnical engineers focus on the foundation of a structural project design and the
unique adaptations required based on the properties of the terrain.  Several services
provided by geotechnical engineers are:

• Geotechnical surveys.

• soil test borings

• Slope stability assessments.

• Evaluation of landslides and avalanches.

• Performing mathematical calculations to assess the load-bearing capacities of

multiple types of ground.

Geotechnical surveys look at the density, composition, compaction, stabilization,

groundwater depth, and ground drainage. The results let contractors gure out what
issues need to be addressed during construction. A soil test boring looks at soil conditions
and soil consistency to gure out the feasibility, tools, and materials for a project. Finally,
engineers use perc tests to determine the ground’s ability to absorb water. These tests are
usually needed before installing a septic system, leach eld, or drain tile.

3. Structural Engineering
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Structural engineering involves the design of structures to ensure they can withstand the
loads they will be exposed to on an everyday basis. In general, there are two types of load:
live load and dead load. Dead load is permanent, such as a beam that will always put
stress on a certain part of the structure. Live load is changing, like the people in a house.
Structural engineers can analyze and design structures to determine the safest structure
type for the loads it will be exposed to. They also have to deal with choosing the best
material for the project so as to be safe but also as cost-ef cient as possible. A solid
understanding of physics and the ability to perform mathematical calculations is required.

4. Transportation Engineering

Transportation engineering involves the planning, design, and operation of transportation

systems such as highways and roads. A transportation engineer is responsible for making
sure the transportation systems meet certain standards of safety and sustainability. They
also are involved with the operation and maintenance of these transportation systems, and
are always looking for innovative ways to improve them.

5. Water Engineering/Water Resources Engineering

Water engineering involves understanding how water works in order to create new ways to
conserve it. Water engineering is focused on dealing with oods, groundwater, and coastal
waters and involves designing ways to store or direct water. Water resource engineering
deals with the management of water systems essential to everyday life. An understanding
of basic water processes is necessary to be a water resources engineer and design systems
that can supply clean water. Some tasks a water resource engineer might take on are the
design of dams and culverts. 

6. Civil Drafting

A civil drafter aids in the design of civil engineering projects and often works hand in hand
with other civil engineers. A civil drafter often draws topographical or relief maps (using
cross-sections and surveys) of terrain set for construction and then creates reports based

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on their analysis of the area. CAD software is often used to create drawings and a strong
understanding of engineering principles and experience with visualization and design
tools is necessary. Civil drafters often convert the designs of architects and engineers into
technical drawings. 

What Affects the Cost of Civil Engineering Services

Typically, residential projects cost much less than commercial and government. Secondly,
the more technical dif culties and complications found throughout the project, the more
effort and time is required for a civil engineer, which will increase your rate. Finally, rates for
services in different branches of engineering can vary greatly. For example, the
construction of a dam may require a water engineer and will cost signi cantly more than a
structural engineer performing the routine inspection.

Source: https://www.cadcrowd.com/blog/civil-engineering-services-rates-budget-
breakdown-and-project-costs/

3.4. Specialization of a Civil Engineer

The BSCE curriculum has ve (5) tracks of specialization:

(a) Construction Engineering and Management,

(b) Geotechnical Engineering,

(c) Structural Engineering, -PSU BSCE Curriculum track

(d) Transportation Engineering, and

(e) Water Resources Engineering .

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 It is designed to prepare graduates in accordance with the institutional and program
outcomes.

3.5. THE SELECTION OF THE CIVIL ENGINEER

The autonomy in the workplace makes the works of a civil engineer unique from others.
This chapter discusses recommendations for engineers to be selected.

BASIS FOR SELECTION

The primary move for a client in selecting an engineer is to de ne the scope of works in a
project. The client determines performance requirements. The following are factors in the
selection process for the private sector:

1. Reputation of the civil engineer as referred by the previous clients.

2. Validity of registration from PRC.

3. Quali cations and expertise in performing services.

4. Ability to assign a quali ed staff on site to take charge of the project.

5. Possession of nancial and business resources to accomplish the assignment.

For government projects, EO 164 and PD 1594 as amended apply to procurement of

consulting services and selection of contractor for construction.

Source: http://sknlazoce.blogspot.com/2019/09/50-selection-of-civil-engineer.html

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Source: https://www.architectureboard.ph/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/3.14-07_PRBoA-
Anotations-on-PRBoCE-NBCP-Stand.pdf